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A week before the battle of Bull Run,
Sullivan Ballou a Major in the 2nd Road Island volunteers wrote
home to his wife in Smithfield.
July 14, 1861 Washington DC.
Dear Sara,
The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few day, perhaps tomorrow. And lest I should not be able to write you again. I feel impelled to write a few lines that might fall under your eye when I am no more. I have no misgivings about or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged. My courage does not halt or falter. I know how Americans civilization now leans on the triumph of the Government. And how great a debut we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the revolution. And I am willing, perfectly willing to lay down all my joys in this life to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt.
Sara, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence can break. And yet my love of country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all those chains to the battle field. The memory of all the blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come crowding over me. And I feel most deeply grateful to God, and you, that I have enjoyed them for so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years. When God willing we might still have lived and loved together, and see our boys grown up to honorable manhood around us.
If I do not return, my dear Sara, never forget how much I loved you. Nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults and the many pains I have caused you. How thought less how foolish I have sometimes been. But Oh Sara, if the dead can come back to this earth, and flit unseen around those they love. I shall always be with you, in the brightest day and the darkest night. Always. Always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath, or the cool air, your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sara do not morn me dead, think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again.
Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later
at the first battle of Bull Run.
Ciao Perry
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All opinions are mine and mine alone,
and represent my thinking at this point in time,
(subject to change based on better information).
All original writings of mine are just that, to reproduce, forward or use, parts or whole, you need to get permission from me first.
Spellings constructed for effect and to confound the ridged. ;)
©1996 by Perry L. Porter. All copyrights are maintained by any parties (individual or corporate) which may have originally created any of the information or artwork contained herein. If you see your work, and I've mistakenly not given you or your company credit, please E-mail me, I'll gladly add the appropriate credit, if you feel it's necessary.
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